Connect with us

Concrete

Bifacial panels add another layer of performance

Published

on

Shares

Raman Bhatia, Founder and Managing Director, Servotech Renewable Power System discusses how innovations are reshaping industrial energy with cutting-edge solar and storage solutions.

In an industry where energy costs form a significant share of operational expenses, cement manufacturers are increasingly turning to renewable solutions to stay competitive and sustainable. Servotech Renewable Power System, under the leadership of Founder and Managing Director Raman Bhatia, is pioneering advanced solar and storage technologies that not only reduce costs but also redefine how energy-intensive industries like cement operate. In this exclusive conversation, he sheds light on how Servotech’s innovations—from on-grid solar and bifacial panels to patented peak-shaving technology—are transforming industrial energy efficiency while driving progress toward decarbonisation.

How can your on-grid solar systems directly reduce energy costs in cement plants?
Our on-grid solar systems are designed to directly reduce energy costs in cement plants by offsetting a significant portion of their high electricity demand with clean, renewable power. Since cement manufacturing operates on a continuous and energy-intensive scale, drawing power directly from solar during the day helps reduce dependency on the grid, which in turn lowers electricity bills.
With Servotech’s on-grid solar solutions, plants can also take advantage of net metering, ensuring that any surplus power generated is fed back into the grid for credits, further optimising cost savings. Beyond financial benefits, these systems contribute to sustainability goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. By integrating solar into daily operations, cement plants can achieve both long-term cost efficiency and environmental responsibility without compromising their energy reliability.

What efficiency advantages do your Mono PERC or bifacial solar panels?
Our Mono PERC and bifacial solar panels are engineered to deliver high efficiency and reliability, making them especially well-suited for heavy-duty industrial rooftops. With higher energy conversion rates, Mono PERC panels maximise output even in limited rooftop space, allowing cement plants and other large industries to generate more power per square metre. This directly translates into better cost efficiency and faster return on investment.
Bifacial panels add another layer of performance by capturing sunlight from both the front and back. On reflective industrial rooftops, this can significantly boost energy generation and ensure consistent output throughout the day. Combined with Servotech’s on-grid solar solutions, these panels not only enhance overall system efficiency but also provide long-term durability in challenging industrial environments. For energy-intensive operations, this means lower energy costs, higher sustainability impact and greater resilience against fluctuating grid prices.

How does your patented peak-shaving technology enhance energy usage efficiency in energy-intensive operations?
Our patented peak-shaving technology is designed to optimise energy usage efficiency by reducing costly demand spikes that are common in energy-intensive operations. In industries like cement manufacturing, where power consumption can suddenly surge due to heavy machinery, these peaks often translate into higher demand charges on electricity bills. By intelligently managing when and how energy is drawn from the grid and dispatching battery energy storage (BESS) during peak grid usage, we ensure smoother load profiles, lower costs and mitigate tariff exposure.
When integrated with Servotech’s on-grid solar systems, the impact is even greater. Daytime solar covers base loads, while BESS charges from solar or off-peak power and discharges at peak times to avoid grid spikes and maintain stability. This coordinated control improves efficiency and power quality, reduces stress on electrical infrastructure, and delivers reliable operations with predictable energy costs, driving measurable progress toward sustainability goals.

What role do module-level monitoring and inverter tuning play in maintaining peak energy performance?
Module-level monitoring and inverter tuning play a vital role in keeping a solar system operating at peak efficiency. With module-level monitoring, we are able to see the performance of each panel in real time. This level of visibility makes it possible to quickly identify issues like shading, soiling or hardware faults before they impact the overall system. It also allows for proactive maintenance and faster troubleshooting, ensuring minimal downtime and higher long-term energy yields.
On the other hand, inverter tuning, especially through advanced Maximum Power Point Tracking, ensures that every panel produces at its highest possible efficiency. By managing differences caused by shading, ageing or panel mismatch, inverter tuning helps maximise energy output while extending system longevity. Together, these functions ensure that solar arrays continue delivering reliable performance, even as environmental and operational conditions change over time.

Can your hybrid inverters and energy storage systems support continuous power and efficiency for cement operations?
Yes, our hybrid inverters and energy storage systems are engineered to support the demanding requirements of cement operations, ensuring both continuous power and improved efficiency. Cement manufacturing is highly energy-intensive, with grinding mills and kilns requiring consistent, large-scale
power. By integrating storage with hybrid inverters, we are able to manage peak demand, reduce costly demand charges and ensure a reliable power supply for critical equipment.
Equally important, these systems enable seamless transitions between solar, battery and grid power, providing the stability and reliability that cement plants need for uninterrupted production. With advanced energy management software, we can optimise energy use in real time, balancing renewables and storage to lower costs while meeting sustainability goals. While implementation requires careful customisation and investment, the long-term benefits include lower energy costs, improved reliability and meaningful progress toward decarbonisation in one of the most energy-intensive industries.

How has the company’s transition—rebranding to Servotech Renewable Power System—furthered its mission for clean, efficient energy delivery?
Our transition to Servotech Renewable Power System Limited has been a defining step in furthering our mission of clean and efficient energy delivery. By rebranding, we have aligned our identity with our broader vision, covering solar, EV charging, energy storage and next-gen renewable technologies. This shift isn’t just a cosmetic one; it reflects who we are today and where we are headed as a company.
With a focused renewable-centric identity, we are able to communicate our value more effectively, strengthen stakeholder trust and create stronger opportunities for nationwide adoption of sustainable solutions. For us, this rebranding symbolises more than a name change, it’s about reaffirming our responsibility to build a greener tomorrow through innovation, reliability and a commitment to powering India responsibly.

Concrete

Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?

CW explores the impact of pro-steel policies on construction and infrastructure and identifies gaps that need to be addressed.

Published

on

By

Shares

Going forward, domestic steel mills are targeting capacity expansion
of nearly 40 per cent through till FY31, adding 80-85 mt, translating
into an investment pipeline of $ 45-50 billion. So, Jhunjhunwala points
out that continuing the safeguard duty will be vital to prevent a surge
in imports and protect domestic prices from external shocks. While in
FY26, the industry operating profit per tonne is expected to hold at
around $ 108, similar to last year, the industry’s earnings must
meaningfully improve from hereon to sustain large-scale investments.
Else, domestic mills could experience a significant spike in industry
leverage levels over the medium term, increasing their vulnerability to
external macroeconomic shocks.(~$ 60/tonne) over the past one month,
compressing the import parity discount to ~$ 23-25/tonne from previous
highs of ~$ 70-90/tonne, adds Jhunjhunwala. With this, he says, “the
industry can expect high resistance to further steel price increases.”

Domestic HRC prices have increased by ~Rs 5,000/tonne
“Aggressive
capacity additions (~15 mt commissioned in FY25, with 5 mt more by
FY26) have created a supply overhang, temporarily outpacing demand
growth of ~11-12 mt,” he says…

To read the full article Click Here

Continue Reading

Concrete

JK Cement Commissions 3 MTPA Buxar Plant, Crosses 31 MTPA

Company becomes India’s fifth-largest grey cement producer

Published

on

By

Shares

JK Cement  has commissioned its new 3 MTPA grey cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, taking the company’s total installed capacity to 31.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and moving it past the 30 MTPA milestone. With this addition, JK Cement now ranks among the top five grey cement manufacturers in India, strengthening its national presence.

Commenting on the development, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “Crossing 31 MTPA is a significant turning point in JK Cement’s expansion and demonstrates the scale, resilience, and aspirations of our company. In addition to making a significant contribution to Bihar’s development vision, the commissioning of our Buxar plant represents a strategic step towards expanding our national footprint. We are committed to developing top-notch manufacturing capabilities that boost India’s infrastructure development and generate long-term benefits for local communities.”

Spread across 100 acres, the Buxar plant is located on the Patna–Buxar highway, enabling efficient distribution across Bihar and neighbouring regions. While JK Cement entered the Bihar market last year through supplies from its Prayagraj plant, the new facility will allow local manufacturing and deliveries within 24 hours across the state.

Mr Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, said, “JK Cement is now among India’s top five producers of grey cement after the Buxar plant commissioning. Our capacity to serve Bihar locally, more effectively, and on a larger scale is strengthened by this facility. Although we had already entered the Bihar market last year using Prayagraj supplies, local manufacturing now enables us to be nearer to our clients and significantly raise service standards throughout the state. Buxar places us at the center of this chance to promote sustainable growth for both the company and the region in Bihar, a high-growth market with strong infrastructure momentum.”

The project has involved an investment of Rs 5 billion. Commercial production began on 29 January 2026, following construction commencement in March 2025. The company said the plant is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment and support ancillary industrial development in the region.

Continue Reading

Concrete

JK Cement Crosses 31 MTPA Capacity with Commissioning of Buxar Plant in Bihar

Published

on

By

Shares

JK Cement has commissioned a 3 MTPA Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, taking its total capacity to 31.26 MTPA and placing it among India’s top five grey cement producers. The ₹500 crore investment strengthens the company’s national footprint while supporting Bihar’s infrastructure growth and local economic development.

JK Cement Ltd., one of India’s leading cement manufacturers, has announced the commissioning of its new state-of-the-art Grey Cement plant in Buxar, Bihar, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. With the commissioning of this facility, JK Cement’s total production capacity has increased to 31.26 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), enabling the company to cross the 30 MTPA threshold.

This expansion positions JK Cement among the top five Grey Cement manufacturers in India, strengthening its national footprint and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.

Commenting on the strategic achievement, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement, said, “Crossing 31 MTPA is a significant turning point in JK Cement’s expansion and demonstrates the scale, resilience, and aspirations of our company. In addition to making a significant contribution to Bihar’s development vision, the commissioning of our Buxar plant represents a strategic step towards expanding our national footprint. We are committed to developing top-notch manufacturing capabilities that boost India’s infrastructure development and generate long-term benefits for local communities.”

The Buxar plant has a capacity of 3 MTPA and is spread across 100 acres. Strategically located on the Patna–Buxar highway, the facility enables faster and more efficient distribution across Bihar and adjoining regions. While JK Cement entered the Bihar market last year through supplies from its Prayagraj plant, the Buxar facility will now allow the company to serve the state locally, with deliveries possible within 24 hours across Bihar.

Sharing his views on the expansion, Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint Managing Director & CEO, JK Cement, said, “JK Cement is now among India’s top five producers of grey cement after the Buxar plant commissioning. Our capacity to serve Bihar locally, more effectively, and on a larger scale is strengthened by this facility. Although we had already entered the Bihar market last year using Prayagraj supplies, local manufacturing now enables us to be nearer to our clients and significantly raise service standards throughout the state. Buxar places us at the center of this chance to promote sustainable growth for both the company and the region in Bihar, a high-growth market with strong infrastructure momentum.”

The new facility represents a strategic step in supporting Bihar’s development vision by ensuring faster access to superior quality cement for infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects. JK Cement has invested approximately ₹500 crore in the project. Construction began in March 2025, and commercial production commenced on January 29, 2026.

In addition to strengthening JK Cement’s regional presence, the Buxar plant is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities and attract ancillary industries, thereby contributing to the local economy and the broader industrial ecosystem.

Continue Reading

Trending News

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

 

Don't miss out on valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like minded professionals.

 


    This will close in 0 seconds